Bunnings to expand timber plants in Australia

Bunnings operates three sites of this nature in Australia, including Hallam in Victoria and Warnervale and Unanderra in New South Wales.

Now the retailer said it plans to open more centres over the next 18 months as it corners the market for small to medium builders.

Bunnings’ chief operating officer for commercial Ben McIntosh said expanding its frame and truss operations will help the retailer service commercial customers “end to end”.

“Bunnings has operated frame and truss plants in Australia for over 20 years, and it’s an area that we see a lot of opportunity,” Mr McIntosh said.

“We are excited to be expanding our participation in this market, improving our offer and working with even more customers to provide solutions for their projects, end to end.

“The expansion plans form part of our wider commercial strategy as we continue to be a trusted partner to builders, from the moment they are planning a build, right through to the fit out.”

Bunnings’ frame and truss centres pre-fabricate and supply roof trusses, wall frames and floor trusses to assist builders when the project they are working on is being framed.

Customers can attend the centres in person, or Bunnings’ frame and truss team can offer full service on site including quoting, estimating and detailing.

The expansion of the retailer’s offering to trade customers comes amid the roaring success of its “Powerpass” program, which offers verified trade customers exclusive prices and deals.

Trade customers must apply for a Bunnings Commercial PowerPass, which includes proving they are in the industry with an ABN, CAN, an apprentice registration number or a current Owner Builder Permit.

In its half-yearly results, Bunnings parent company Wesfarmers said the strategy to improve its offering for both retail and trade customers was performing strongly.

“Bunnings continued to accelerate the development of its digital offer during the half, with improved search performance and greater personalisation for DIY customers, as well as the launch of a new e-commerce platform for commercial customers,” Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said.

“Good progress continued on the growth of Bunnings’ commercial offer, including through the further development of its specialist brands, with the expansion of Tool Kit Depot into Western Australia and the completion of the Beaumont Tiles acquisition during the period.”